Our most recommended things to do in Melbourne

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

1. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road and Wildlife Tour

After being picked up from your Melbourne CBD accommodation, explore the world famous Great Ocean Road on this full-day tour. Follow along in many different languages via the app so you won't miss a thing. Spend the day in an airconditioned vehicle not only exploring the coastline features but also seeing first hand koalas and birds in their natural habitat. Take a guided forest walk where you will see some of the tallest trees in the world. Morning tea is also included. Stop at Torquay Surf Beach to experience firsthand the iconic beaches and coastal views. You will also be within clear viewing distance of the world-famous Bells Surfing Beach. Take coastal photos and smell the fresh seaside air. Refresh with morning tea before heading to the Pole House. Enjoy a roadside photo opportunity of the most photographed house on Great Ocean Road. Suspended 40 meters above the ground by a singular concrete column, its unique architecture maximizes the stunning coastline view. Snap a selfie at the iconic Great Ocean Road sign and send it to your friends. Then see koalas and parrots in their natural habitat. Your experienced guide will take you to the best viewing spots. Stop at a location along the Great Ocean Road and take in the iconic coastline vista at Cape Patton. Head then to the coastal town of Apollo Bay where you can purchase lunch from the many restaurants and cafes on offer. You can also walk around the coastal town or even take a swim in the beach if the weather suits. Follow your guide on a forest walk where you will see some of the tallest trees in the world. You will also take in the wonderful fresh natural smells the trees have to offer. At the Gibson Steps, tide and wind permitting, you will be able to see some of the 12 Apostles from sea level on the beach. You will feel like you can reach out and touch them. Take your time to check out the world-renowned 12 Apostles. An awesome sight with fantastic photo opportunities. See for yourself why these limestone beauties are known all around the world. The final touring stop is at Loch Ard Gorge. Witness firsthand this magnificent formation of rocks and rolling sea. Enjoy ground-level viewing that will excite you with the natural glories it possesses. See the unique jagged razorback formation and then the Island Archway. The original archway collapsed in 2009, however, two striking stacks remain, standing nearly as tall as the Apostles. Purchase dinner from one of the many restaurants and cafes in Colac.

Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

2. Puffing Billy Railway: Heritage Steam Train Journey

Arrive at the station via car or public transport and prepare to travel on a historic locomotive through the scenic Dandenong Ranges. Built in 1900 and recognised as one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, Puffing Billy continues to travel on its original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, Puffing Billy offers traditional train journeys, first-class wine and dine experiences and so much more to explore off the tracks. Discover the new state-of-the-art facility set in the scenic surrounds of Emerald Lake Park. The new Lakeside Visitor Centre enhances the Puffing Billy experience, featuring a café, function room, significantly upgraded facilities, extensive retail, dining options, and interpretation spaces for you to enjoy.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

3. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

4. From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip

Discover the beauty of Port Campbell National Park on this day trip from Melbourne. Travel in a comfortable and airconditioned coach and enjoy a refreshing morning tea. Stop for pictures viewpoints, take a stroll at Apollo Bay and admire the 12 Apostles limestone stacks. Enjoy morning views of Melbourne city and Port Phillip Bay as you cross the Westgate Bridge, Australia’s longest bridge, at just under 1.5 miles (2.6 kilometers). Embark on one of the world’s greatest drives to tour the Great Ocean Road. Take in a scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. Stop for photos opportunity the Memorial Arch at Eastern View as well as at Kennett River, home to a large population of cute and cuddly wild koalas. A sighting is almost guaranteed as they munch away on Eucalyptus leaves. Marvel at Apollo Bay and walk around the famous coastal town. Afterward, follow the Great Ocean Road away from the water and into the mountains. Proceed through the spectacular Otway Ranges and stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool, temperate rainforest at Maits Rest. Continue to Port Campbell National Park, with its iconic array of rock formations. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and Gibson Steps, and be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the 12 Apostles. Take advantage of a dinner stop on the journey back to Melbourne at the township of Colac. Enjoy a scenic view of the illuminated city as you cross Westgate Bridge on the way home.

Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

5. Melbourne: Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour

Drive from your central accommodation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Puffing Billy steam train. Ride Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. Enjoy this iconic steam train ride through the glorious Dandenong Ranges, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Victoria. Enjoy morning tea at the scenic Emerald Lake then take a leisurely walk around the park. Then, explore the Healesville Sanctuary where you can wander around, observing native animals like koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds of prey, and more. Take a seat at the animal education lessons and live shows. You can also purchase lunch here. Finish the tour with a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, where you can sample complimentary chocolates. Return back to your accommodation in central Melbourne.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

6. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

Discover some of Australia's most well-loved creatures on a bus tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island to see the beloved Penguin Parade. See the best of Victoria’s nature and wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, getting up close to its animals and learning about them. During the day, get up-close-and-personal with the friendly residents of the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, have your photo taken with a koala, and learn about the conservation of these lovable native animals. While at the sanctuary, see some lesser known, but equally adorable, endangered species, including the Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls and rare Fluffy Gliders. Visit the stunning Cape Woolamai surf beach (time permitting) and the Nobbies before arriving at Summerland Beach for the nightly Penguin Parade. Home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins, Summerland Beach provides a spectacular backdrop to the world famous Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins make their way across the beach and through the sand dunes to their burrows. Come and enjoy the beauty and native wildlife of Phillip Island and make this a journey to remember.

Melbourne: MCG and Australian Sports Museum Guided Tour

7. Melbourne: MCG and Australian Sports Museum Guided Tour

Experience the highlights of the Melbourne Cricket Ground on a tour including a visit to the famous MCC Long Room, the players’ changing rooms, the cricketers' viewing room, and the Ron Casey Media Centre. After your guided a walk through the arena, take in the Cricket Victoria Bill Lawry Centre, and head to the Melbourne City Terrace for views of the stunning skyline.   Next, visit the all-new Australian Sports Museum for a truly memorable experience. This isn’t your typical museum: it’s an exciting, interactive, and ever-changing experience where the latest technology has been used to create immersive exhibits and galleries.

Melbourne: Zoo 1-Day Entry Ticket

8. Melbourne: Zoo 1-Day Entry Ticket

With your general admission day ticket to the Melbourne Zoo you can become acquainted with over 320 animal species from around the world. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lush Asian and African rainforests, where tigers roam and monkeys swing from tree to tree. See eye-to-eye with the lion pride in a special exhibit at Lion Gorge and then continue on through to the Trail of the Elephants. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and emus in an Australian bush setting. Head into the underwater world to see Victoria’s iconic little penguins and Australian fur seals.

Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

9. Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

Experience a day of Australian animals and nature on this guided day trip from Melbourne. Begin your animal adventure with hotel pickup and a trip to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. Experience up-close encounters with kangaroos, wombats and echidnas in this unique habitat. Next, it's time for Phillip Island. Witness the waves and die-hard surfers of Woolamai Surf Beach, then journey to the dramatic west coast and the dramatic scenery of the Nobbies. Enjoy the commentary and learning about the scenery from your expert, local guide. Finally, settle into your seat on a beachside protective platform for the famous Penguin Parade. Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle out onto the beach in this adorable natural spectacular.

From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Group Tour

10. From Melbourne: Grampians National Park Group Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne on a small group eco-tour to the Grampians National Park, and discover a nature lover’s paradise. Depart Melbourne and travel through the western plains of Victoria on route to historic Ballarat, a boom town of the 1850s following the widespread discovery of gold. Learn the history of the region over morning tea at the infamous Eureka Rebellion site. Continue through the picturesque western volcanic plains, and pass through the town of Moyston, the birthplace of Australian Rules Football. Arrive at the foot of the Grampians Range (Gariwerd in the local aboriginal language), and take a short walk to Silverband Falls. Then, head to Halls Gap for a lunch break (own expense). Keep a look out for kangaroos and abundant birdlife that can be seen in the main street. After lunch, go to the Wonderland car park to take a walk through the Grand Canyon and marvel at the rock formations. See high rising rock walls, crisscrossed with layering and fault lines that showcase the area’s unique geology. Next, visit the majestic surrounds of MacKenzie Falls, and watch the water cascade down the rocks in a gorge surrounded by eucalyptus forest. Walk the Bluff trail along the top of the cliffs for panoramic views of the falls, or journey downstairs to the base of the steep gorge. Another stunning photo opportunity awaits at Reeds Lookout, a vantage point that overlooks the towering Stringybark Forest and Victoria Valley. Your next port of call is Boroka Lookout, where panoramic views of the surrounding region and town of Halls Gap await. Look further afield to Lake Bellfield and beyond. Make your way back to Halls Gap to spot some wild kangaroos before returning to Melbourne. Stop for dinner on route back to the city, and enjoy a stunning view of the illuminated city on your return home.

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The best day trips and excursions from Melbourne are:

Great Ocean Road

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What people are saying about Melbourne

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 8,238 reviews

What can I say …. Awesome !!! It took me a while to decide whether todo this as ‘I don’t really do tours ‘ but I’m so glad I did !!! The tour itself pretty much did everything . Accommodation was fab . Lovely stops for lunch and good breakfasts ( all included in price ) which exceeded what I was expecting. Mick our tour leader was just brilliant !!! Friendly , funny and flexible !!! The tour wasn’t rigid and we went with the flow which I really liked . We had 10 in our group and it was a fab group of people I must say . For those wandering about ages …. I’m 54 … the youngest on our tour was 35 and the oldest , a very young 72 !!!! I feel we saw everything and stuff I wouldn’t know about seeing too. Would I recommend ?? Yes , yes and yes !!! X

It was an excellent day out Peter the tour guide was on time picking us up, very informative and great fun. Puffing billys was excellent what a way to travel by train hanging your legs out the carriage. Healesville sanctury was good too and then stopped off for chocolate and ice cream at the chocolatier on the way back. Only improvements I would say is need a new tour bus and slightly longer at the train station when you get off the other end.

I greatly recommend this tour of Brighton beach, the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, and the penguin parade. Very well organised, well structured day, and we had an absolutely amazing tour guide!

All good. The last attraction is very beautiful. I think Australia government should build more toilets on the way, especially from Apollo Bay to the twelve apostles rock.

It worked nicely. Only thing we need to set the APN settings and activate Data Roaming